In the UK, if a dog suffers or dies as a result of being left in a hot car, their owner or caregiver can be prosecuted for neglect or cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Successful prosecution for neglect or cruelty can lead to jail time, fines and being banned from keeping animals in the future.
Source: Dogs die in hot cars – Why you should never leave your dog in the car unattended @ Pets4Homes
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Further help
- RSPCA Cruelty Line: 0300 1234 999
Read more
- Animal Welfare Act @ RSPCA
Excerpt: What does the law actually say? Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act places a duty of care on people to ensure they take reasonable steps in all the circumstances to meet the welfare needs of their animals to the extent required by good practice.
- Dogs in Hot Cars @ Peta
Excerpt: If you see a dog left alone in a hot car, take down the car’s color, model, make, and license plate number. Have the owner paged in the nearest buildings, or call local humane authorities or police. Have someone keep an eye on the dog. Don’t leave the scene until the situation has been resolved.
image by Josch13 under CC0 license
